U.S. patent application number 11/650373 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for mixing system for portable media device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Belkin International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott Jackson, Steve Lane, Thorben Neu, Ernesto Quniteros, Robert Reay, Oliver Duncan Seil.
Application Number | 20080165989 11/650373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39521765 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080165989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seil; Oliver Duncan ; et
al. |
July 10, 2008 |
Mixing system for portable media device
Abstract
An audio mixer for a portable media device includes: (a) an
audio receiving mechanism capable of receiving audio signals from a
plurality of components of a user's media system, modifying the
characteristics of the received audio signals, summing the modified
audio signals into a master audio signal, and outputting the master
audio signal to a portable media device to be saved to the portable
media device as a recording; (b) a docking station to receive a
portable media device; and (c) a portable media device operating
system.
Inventors: |
Seil; Oliver Duncan;
(Pasadena, CA) ; Jackson; Scott; (Rochester,
NY) ; Lane; Steve; (Orange, CA) ; Quniteros;
Ernesto; (Los Angeles, CA) ; Neu; Thorben;
(Hollywood, CA) ; Reay; Robert; (Rochester,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Walter Opaska;Bryan Cave, LLP
Suite 2200, Two North Central Avenue
Phoenix
AZ
85004-4406
US
|
Assignee: |
Belkin International, Inc.
Compton
CA
|
Family ID: |
39521765 |
Appl. No.: |
11/650373 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04H 60/04 20130101;
G11B 27/034 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/119 |
International
Class: |
G10H 1/08 20060101
G10H001/08 |
Claims
1. A mixer capable of receiving an input signal from a media system
and producing an output signal for a signal output device and a
portable media device, the mixer comprising: an input jack
configured to receive and be electrically coupled to a component of
the media system, wherein the component is capable of producing the
input signal; an interface configured to (a) electrically couple to
the portable media device, and (b) allow the portable media device
to record the output signal; and an output jack configured to
receive and be electrically coupled to the signal output device,
wherein the signal output device is capable of receiving the output
signal.
2. The mixer of claim 1 wherein the mixer is capable of receiving a
second input signal from the media system, the mixer further
comprising: a second input jack configured to receive and be
electrically coupled to a second component of the media system,
wherein the second component is capable of producing the second
input signal.
3. The mixer of claim 2 wherein the mixer is capable of receiving a
third input signal from the media system, the mixer further
comprising: a third input jack configured to receive and be
electrically coupled to a third component of the media system,
wherein the third component is capable of producing the third input
signal.
4. The mixer of claim 1, further comprising: an authenticated
recording feature to allow the portable media device to record the
output signal as an authenticated recording.
5. The mixer of claim 1, further comprising: a recording menu
access control electrically coupled to the interface and configured
to allow the portable media device to display automatically a
recording menu after a user activates the recording menu access
control.
6. The mixer of claim 1, wherein: the mixer is an audio mixer; and
the output signal is an audio signal.
7. The audio mixer of claim 6, further comprising: an authenticated
recording feature to allow the portable media device to record the
audio signal as an authenticated recording.
8. The audio mixer of claim 6, further comprising: a recording menu
access control electrically coupled to the interface and configured
to cause the portable media device to display automatically a
recording menu after a user activates the recording menu access
control.
9. The mixer of claim 1, wherein: the portable media device
comprises a backlight; and the mixer further comprises a backlight
toggle control electrically coupled to the interface and configured
to cause the backlight of the portable media device to remain lit
while the portable media device is electrically coupled to the
interface.
10. The mixer of claim 1 wherein the mixer is capable of (a)
receiving a digital input signal from a computer, and (b) producing
a digital output signal for the computer, the mixer further
comprising a second interface configured to electrically couple to
the computer, wherein the computer is capable of (x) producing the
digital input signal, and (y) receiving the digital output
signal.
11. The mixer of claim 1 wherein output signal is a first analog
output signal, and wherein the mixer is further capable of
receiving a digital input signal from a computer, the mixer further
comprising a second interface configured to (a) electrically couple
to the computer, wherein the computer is capable of producing the
digital input signal, and (b) convert the digital input signal into
a second analog output signal; and a mix ratio mechanism configured
to be adjustable by a user and to allow the user create a
continuing output signal, wherein the continuing output signal is
(x) the first analog output signal, (y) the second analog output
signal, or (z) a combination of the first analog output signal and
the second analog output signal.
12. The mixer of claim 1, further comprising a docking station,
wherein the docking station comprises: a receiving port configured
to accept the portable media player, the portable media player
comprising a front face and a preferred operating hand position,
wherein the interface is disposed within the receiving port; and a
cavity adjacent to the receiving port, wherein the cavity comprises
an opening, and wherein the opening is configured to allow
operation of the portable media device using the preferred
operating hand position while the portable media device is located
in the receiving port.
13. The mixer of claim 12, wherein the opening of the cavity is
aligned with the front face of the portable media device while the
portable media device is located in the receiving port.
14. The audio mixer of claim 12, wherein: the portable media device
is an MP3 player.
15. The mixer of claim 1, wherein: the portable media device is an
MP3 player.
16. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the mixer is further capable of
receiving an input signal from the portable media device.
17. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the mixer further comprises a
lock connector.
18. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the mixer further comprises: a
front face lying in a first plane; and a rear face lying in a
second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane
intersect at a first angle of intersection, and wherein the first
angle of intersection is obtuse.
19. The mixer of claim 18, wherein the first angle of intersection
is between approximately 160 degrees and approximately 150
degrees.
20. The mixer of claim 1 wherein the mixer is configured to lie on
a surface lying in a surface plane, wherein the mixer further
comprises a front face lying in a first plane, and wherein the
first plane and the surface plane intersect at a second angle of
intersection, and wherein the second angle of intersection is
acute.
21. The mixer of claim 20, wherein the first angle of intersection
is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 15
degrees.
22. An electronic device capable of receiving an input signal from
a media system and manipulating the input signal, the electronic
device comprising: a front face lying in a first plane; a control
located on the front face, wherein the control is configured to
allow a user of the electronic device to control manipulation of
the input signal; a rear face lying in a second plane, wherein the
first plane and the second plane intersect at a first angle of
intersection, and wherein the first angle of intersection is
obtuse; and an input jack located on the rear face configured to
receive and be electrically coupled to a component of the media
system, wherein the component is capable of producing the input
signal.
23. The mixer of claim 22, wherein the first angle of intersection
is between approximately 160 degrees and approximately 150
degrees.
24. An electronic device for use with a portable media device, the
electronic device comprising: an interface configured to
electrically couple to the portable media device; and a docking
station, wherein the docking station comprises (a) a receiving port
configured to accept the portable media player, the portable media
player comprising a front face and a preferred operating hand
position, wherein the interface is disposed within the receiving
port; and (b) a cavity adjacent to receiving port, wherein the
cavity comprises an opening, and wherein the opening is configured
to allow operation of the portable media device using the preferred
operating hand position while the portable media device is located
in the receiving port.
25. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the opening of the
cavity is aligned with the front face of the portable media device
while the portable media device is located in the receiving
port.
26. An electronic device capable of producing an output signal for
a portable media device, the electronic device comprising: an
interface configured to (a) electrically couple to the portable
media device, and (b) allow the portable media device to record the
output signal; an authenticated recording feature to allow the
portable media device to record the output signal as an
authenticated recording; and a recording menu access control
electrically coupled to the interface and configured to cause the
portable media device to display automatically a recording menu
after a user activates the recording menu access control.
27. The electronic device of claim 26 wherein: the portable media
device comprises a backlight; and the electronic device further
comprises a backlight toggle control electrically coupled to the
interface and configured to cause the backlight of the portable
media device to remain lit while the portable media device is
electrically coupled to the interface.
28. An electronic device for a portable media device, wherein the
portable media device comprises a backlight, wherein the electronic
device comprises: an interface configured to electrically couple to
the portable media device; and a backlight toggle control
electrically coupled to the interface and configured to cause the
backlight of the portable media device to remain lit while the
portable media device is electrically coupled to the interface.
29. An electronic device for use with a media system, a signal
output device, and a portable media device, the electronic device
comprising: an input configured to receive and be electrically
coupled to a component of the media system, wherein the component
is capable of producing the input signal for the electronic device;
an interface configured to (a) electrically couple to the portable
media device, and (b) allow the portable media device to record an
output signal from the electronic device; and an output configured
to receive and be electrically coupled to the signal output device,
wherein the signal output device is capable of receiving the output
signal from the electronic device.
30. A method of using an electronic device for use with a media
system, a portable media device, and a signal output device,
wherein the electronic device comprises (a) an input configured to
receive and be electrically coupled to a component of the media
system, wherein the component is capable of producing an input
signal for the electronic device, (b) an interface configured to
(x) electrically couple to the portable media device, and (y) allow
the portable media device to record an output signal from the
electronic device, and (c) an output configured to receive and be
electrically coupled to the signal output device, wherein the
signal output device is capable of receiving an output signal from
the electronic device, the method comprising: providing the
electronic device; providing the component of the media system;
coupling the component of the media system to the input of the
electronic device; causing the component of the media system to
produce the input signal; transmitting the input signal from the
component of the media system to the input of the electronic
device; providing the portable media device; coupling the portable
media device to the interface of the electronic device; using at
least a portion of the input signal to create at least a portion of
the output signal; recording the output signal to the portable
media device; providing the signal output device; coupling the
signal output device to the output of the electronic device; and
transmitting the output signal to the signal output device.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the electronic device further
comprises a recording menu access control electrically coupled to
the interface and configured to allow the portable media device to
display automatically a recording menu after a user activates the
recording menu access control, wherein the method further comprises
activating the recording menu access control of the electronic
device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to accessories for portable
media devices, and relates more particularly to audio mixing
systems for use with portable media devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Music is often played and/or recorded using a device
commonly referred to as an audio mixer. An audio mixer is capable
of receiving audio signals (input signals) from two or more devices
that produce audio signals and outputting audio signals (output
signals) to one or more audio devices, such as speakers. An audio
mixer may include mechanisms to adjust the characteristics of the
received audio signals, including mechanisms to adjust gain, to
equalize the high, mid and low ranges of the signals, to pan a
stereo signal between the left and right signals, and to adjust the
volume (or level) of the signals. The individual audio signals,
having been manipulated by the mechanisms as described above, are
then summed into a summed audio signal. The summed audio signal can
be further adjusted by a mechanism, such as a compressor mechanism
and/or a volume control mechanism to create an audio signal output.
The mechanisms described above are linked to controls accessible by
a user of the mixer, who can manipulate the controls to achieve the
desired audio signal output. The audio signal output can be
outputted to one or more devices for listening and/or
recording.
[0003] Audio mixers are widely available, and examples include the
BOSS.RTM. BR1600CD Digital Recorder and Mixer, the Roland.RTM.
M-10E 10-channel 5-stereo Mixer, the TASCAM.RTM. 414mkII
Portastudio.TM. mixer and recorder, and the TASCAM.RTM. DP-01FX/CD
mixer and digital recorder, the features and specifications of
which are widely available and known to those with ordinary skill
in the art, and incorporated herein by this reference.
[0004] Similarly, video signals can be mixed by a video mixer, with
the altered signal then output for viewing and/or recording. For
example, the Roland.RTM. V-1 is a 4-channel video mixer.
[0005] Recently, portable media devices, capable of handling
digital audio files in one or more file formats, have become very
popular for their compact size and large storage capacity. Several
formats for digital audio files exist, each offering its own
combination of sound quality, compression rate, streaming
capability, and other features. Some of the existing file formats
are: AAC ("advanced audio coding"), ATRAC ("adaptive transform
acoustic coding), MP3 (mpeg-1 audio layer 3), AIFF (audio
interchange file format), WMA Windows.RTM. media audio), OGG (Ogg
Vorbis), and WAV (waveform audio format), but this list is not an
exhaustive one. Also, many portable media devices can playback
video files in different formats, such as AVI (advanced video
interleave) and MPEG-1 (moving picture experts group initial video
and audio compression standard). For example, portable media
devices sold under the trademark iPod by Apple Computer, Inc. of
Cupertino, Calif., are widely sold with this capability. Portable
media devices capable of playing digital audio files, and of
storing them in large numbers, are often referred to as MP3 players
because of the popularity of that particular file format.
[0006] Traditionally, portable media devices have been able to
playback only those audio files uploaded from a computer and stored
in the storage system of the portable media device in one of
aforementioned file formats. Additionally, until recently, portable
media devices have not included mechanisms to allow recording of
music or sounds onto the portable media device, nor have they
provided support for external audio receiving devices. However,
newer models of portable media devices, such as an Apple.RTM.
iPod.RTM. device, and other portable media devices, provide
increased support for external devices, including devices to record
sounds onto the portable media device.
[0007] Devices have been created that take advantage of some of the
recording features of portable media devices, including, for
example, the audio mixing system for an MP3 player described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/472,098, incorporated herein in
its entirety by this reference.
[0008] However, the capacities of these devices are limited. A user
of a portable media device may have an extensive media system. For
example, a user may have available to him or her a media system
that may include one or more instruments capable of generating
sounds that can be converted into electrical (or audio) signals,
such as one or more electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic
guitars, keyboards, microphones, synthesizers, and the like, and/or
video signals, such as a video recorder. A user's media system may
also include audio and/or video signals recorded on compact discs,
digital video discs, records, cassettes, one or more computers and
the like. A user may also have available to him or her, as part of
his or her media system, programs, such as programs capable of
being run on a computer, that permit manipulation of audio and/or
media signals. The number and types of signals that can be input
into the devices is limited, and the ability of the devices to
permit full integration of the functionalities of a portable media
device into a user's media system is limited. Thus, a need exists
for an apparatus or system that is capable of permitting a user to
integrate the functionalities of one or more portable media devices
with one or more components of his or her media system. Other needs
or potential benefits of such an apparatus or system may be
apparent from this disclosure.
[0009] Portable media devices typically include a screen that
displays information to the user regarding various features and/or
functionalities of the device. Such portable media devices will
frequently include a feature that causes the screen to light,
commonly called a "backlight," that permits better visibility of
information displayed on the screen. To conserve energy,
particularly battery life, the backlight typically remains lit for
a relatively short period of time, often adjustable by a user.
However, in some applications, when the portable media device is
electrically coupled to an apparatus, it would be useful for the
backlight to remain lit for a longer period of time, without the
need to turn it back on when it goes off and/or reprogram the
period of time for which it is to remain lit. Therefore, a need or
potential for benefit exists for a feature associated with the
apparatus to which the portable media device is coupled to cause
the backlight to remain on while the portable media device remains
coupled to the apparatus.
[0010] A typical portable media device, such as an Apple.RTM.
iPod.RTM. device, includes controls on the face of the device (such
as controls located on a touch screen and/or a control wheel) that
are manipulated, while not exclusively, most conveniently by the
user's thumb. Controls designed to be operated by a user's thumb
are easier to use if the user's other fingers can be conveniently
placed behind the user's thumb such that, if the portable media
device were not disposed between the thumb and fingers, the pad of
the thumb would touch some part of the palm-side portion of the
user's fingers. Such configuration of thumb and fingers is
sometimes referred to herein as the "preferred operating hand
position." Of course, when a user is manipulating the controls of a
portable media device with his or her thumb, and when the portable
media device is not resting on a surface, disposed within a docking
station or otherwise supported, the preferred operating hand
position is also preferred because it allows the user to grip the
portable media device. Nevertheless, even if a portable media
device is fully supported, for example, by a docking station, it
continues to be preferable to operate the controls of the portable
media device using the preferred operating hand position.
Therefore, a need exists for a docking station for a portable media
device that permits the user to operate the controls of the
portable media device using the preferred operating hand
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will be better understood from a reading of
the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying Figures in the drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an audio mixer for use with a
portable media device according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front, right, top isometric view of the audio
mixer of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear, left, top isometric view of the audio
mixer of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a first menu on a screen of a portable
media device for use with the audio mixer of FIG. 1 according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a second menu on a screen of a portable
media device for use with the audio mixer of FIG. 1 according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using an
audio mixer according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a front, right, top isometric view of the
audio mixer of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the invention,
coupled to a portable media device;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the steps required to
access the recording menu of a portable media device for use with
the audio mixer of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear, left, bottom view of the audio mixer of
FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0022] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the
invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation
in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described
herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," "have," and any
variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those
elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or
inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0023] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term
"coupled," as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly
connected in an electrical, mechanical, or other manner. For
example, a first mechanism electrically coupled to a second
mechanism may be directly connected or may be indirectly connected
via a conductor coupled to the first and second mechanisms that
operates to transmit signals from the first mechanism to the second
mechanism. The term "secured," as used herein, is defined as firmly
attaching, joining, fixing, fastening, or connecting one item to
another item (in a removable or non-removable) manner, either
directly or via one or more intermediate items secured to the items
described as "secured" to one another in a manner appropriate for
the specific items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND EXAMPLES OF
EMBODIMENTS
[0024] A mixer is particularly (although not exclusively) suited to
allow integration of the functionalities of one or more portable
media device with one or more components of a user's media system.
Therefore, a preferred embodiment of an apparatus or system of the
present invention is a mixer for use with a portable media device
and one or more components of a user's media system. Such a mixer
allows a user to more fully integrate the functionalities of one or
more portable media device with one or more components of his or
her media system. Certain embodiments of such a mixer (or other
apparatus or system for use with a portable media device) include
controls and/or features that simplify use of a portable media
device as a component of a media system. For example, a preferred
embodiment includes one or more of (a) a recording menu access
control, (b) an authenticated recording feature, and/or (c) a
backlight toggle control.
[0025] In an example of an embodiment of the invention, an audio
mixer for a portable media device includes: (a) an audio receiving
mechanism capable of receiving audio signals from a plurality of
components of a user's media system, modifying the characteristics
of the received audio signals, summing the modified audio signals
into a master audio signal, and outputting the master audio signal
to the portable media device to be saved to the portable media
device as a recording; (b) a docking station to receive the
portable media device; and (c) a portable media device operating
system.
[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for use
with a portable media device includes: (a) an interface configured
to be plugged into and electrically coupled to the portable media
device that provides a way of communicating between the apparatus
and the portable media device; (b) a processor, in communication
with the apparatus and the portable media device, capable of
causing the backlight of the portable media device to remain on
while the portable media device remains coupled with the apparatus;
and (c) a backlight toggle control, in communication with the
processor.
[0027] In yet another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for
use with a portable media device includes a docking station,
wherein the docking station includes: (a) a receiving port
configured to accept a portable media player, and (b) a cavity
below the receiving port, an opening of which is aligned with the
front face of the portable media device disposed within the
receiving port, and which permits a user of the apparatus to
operate the controls of the portable media device using the
preferred operating hand position while the portable media device
remains within the receiving port.
[0028] Certain embodiments of an apparatus or system of the present
invention include mixers for use with a portable media device. A
mixer allows a user to integrate the functionalities of one or more
portable media devices with one or more components of his or her
media system in a new and useful manner. Such a mixer permits a
user to, for example, manipulate and sum signals, such as audio
signals, produced by one or more components of his or her media
system, such as musical instruments, save the signals produced by
the mixer to a portable media device as a recording (preferably, an
authenticated recording) and, simultaneously, sense the signals
produced by the mixer, for example, by listening to audio signals
through speakers.
[0029] The usefulness of an apparatus or system, such as a mixer,
of an embodiment of the present invention is increased if it
includes an authenticated recording feature, as described
below.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an audio mixer 100 for a
portable media device 114, according to one embodiment of the
present invention. It will be understood by those with ordinary
skill in the art that there are numerous possible embodiments of
apparatuses or systems (including but not limited to mixers) of the
present invention and that the embodiment illustrated and described
below is merely exemplary. In this example, the mixer 100 includes:
a first channel 102, a second channel 104, a third channel 106, a
fourth channel 108, a USB (universal serial bus) interface 110, and
a portable media device operating system 112. Preferably, some
portion or all of such components are enclosed within a housing
101, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0031] The portable media device operating system 112 facilitates
communication and transfer of power and signals between the
portable media device 114 and the mixer 100. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the portable media device operating system
112 comprises an interface 250 which is configured to be
electrically coupled to the portable media device 114. The
interface 250 can transfer communication, power and audio signals
between the mixer 100 and the portable media device 114. In one
embodiment, the interface 250 includes a connector 500 (FIG. 3).
The type of connector 500 depends on the type of connector of the
portable media device 114 (or devices) the mixer 100 is designed to
accept. For example, the interface 250 can include a thirty-pin
male serial connector 500 configured to be plugged into and
electrically coupled to an Apple.RTM. ipod.RTM. device. In another
example, the portable media device 114 has a female USB connector
for coupling with external devices. Then, the connector 500 would
be a male USB connector.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the mixer 100, the portable
media device operating system 112 further comprises a processor
252, which controls communications between the portable media
device 114 and the mixer 100, via the interface 250. Such
communications are sent to the processor 252 from the interface 250
over the conductor 254. The conductor 254 can include one or more
individual conductors. In one embodiment, the processor 252 is a
microcontroller. For example, the processor 252 can be an eight bit
microcontroller sold under the trademark PSOC by Cypress of San
Jose, Calif., or an eight bit microcontroller sold under the trade
name C8051F331 or C8051F333 by Silicon Laboratories of Austin, Tex.
The portable media device operating system 112 can also include
separate hand shaking (or authentication) circuitry 253, if
required by the portable media device 114.
[0033] In some embodiments, certain functions of the portable media
device 100 are controlled by the user through the portable media
device 114. As an example, a menu system on a screen 115 of the
portable media device 114 can be used by the user to begin
recording, delete previous recordings, stop recording, enable or
disable the automatic gain control, select the recording mode (mono
or stereo), set recording quality, begin playing, stop playback,
etc. To the extent necessary or desirable for the function of the
mixer 100, information regarding the instructions from the portable
media device 114 is passed through the interface 250 to the
processor 252. In some embodiments, one or more functions of the
mixer 100 can be controlled by the user through the portable media
device 114 such as, for example, selections to enable or disable
the automatic gain control and/or select the recording mode. The
processor 252 then implements the instructions from the user.
[0034] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate examples of menus on a screen
115 of a portable media device 114 for use with the mixer 100. In
FIG. 4, menu 300 on screen 115 allows a user to begin recording
audio signals or change the quality of the audio file to be
recorded. If the user highlights "Record Now" on menu 300 by using
a flywheel 302 and clicks a button on the flywheel 302, the
portable media device 114 can begin to record an output signal from
the mixer 100 and send a signal to the processor 252 (FIG. 1)
informing the mixer 100 (FIG. 1) that the portable media device 114
has begun to record the output signal of the mixer 100. If the user
highlight and clicks on "Quality," the user can change the quality
of the audio recording.
[0035] In one embodiment, after the mixer 100 has begun recording
signals onto the portable media device 114, the portable media
device 114 displays menu 304 on screen 115, as shown in FIG. 5.
Menu 304 displays the recording time and gives the user the option
to "Pause" and "Stop and Save" the recording process. If the user
highlights either of these options using flywheel 302 and clicks a
button on the flywheel 302 to select the option, a signal is sent
from the portable media device 114 to the processor 252 (FIG. 1)
informing the mixer that the portable media device 114 has stopped
recording. If the user had selected "Pause," another menu is
displayed to the user to allow the restarting or stopping of the
recording process. If the user selected "Stop and Save," the
recording process is stopped, and the audio recording is saved in
the memory of the portable media device 114. In another embodiment,
another menu is displayed to allow the user to decide whether to
save the recording, discard or playback the recording.
[0036] Preferably, the portable media device operating system 112
is designed to interact with the portable media device 114 such
that any such recording saved in the memory of the portable media
device 114 is saved in a manner that causes the recording to be
recognized by the portable media device 114 as a file capable of
being played by the portable media device 114, without further
manipulation of such file (an "authenticated recording"). Thus,
preferably, a user, having saved a recording to a portable media
device 114 can, optionally, proceed immediately to access a list of
files available on the portable media device 114 using, for
example, controls of the portable media device 114 accessible by
the flywheel 302 on the portable media device 114, which list will
include the authenticated recording, and select such authenticated
recording to be played by the portable media device 114. This
functionality of the mixer 100 with the authenticated recording
feature can be achieved, for example, by authentication circuitry
253 included in the portable media device operating system 112.
[0037] There are numerous benefits to a mixer 100 that includes
this feature (the "authenticated recording feature"). For example,
a user can use the mixer 100 with the authenticated recording
feature to create a first audio signal, save an authenticated
recording of the first audio signal to a portable media device 114,
input the saved authenticated recording of the first audio signal
into the mixer, sum the first audio signal of the saved
authenticated recording with a second audio signal created by the
mixer to create a third audio signal, and save the third audio
signal to a computer, via the USB interface 110 or to another
personal media device (not shown) coupled to the mixer.
[0038] In another embodiment, the user can control one or more of
the functions listed above through controls located on the housing
101 and electrically coupled to the processor 252. For example, in
the mixer 100 illustrated in FIG. 2, the portable media device
operating system 112 includes a recording menu access control 256
locating on the housing 101 of the mixer 100 that allows a user to
directly access the recording menu of a portable media device 114.
The recording menu access control 256 is coupled with the processor
252 (FIG. 1), which allows communication to the portable media
device 114 of commands initiated by the recording menu access
control 256, via the interface 250, when activated by a user. FIG.
8 illustrates the menu selections 900, 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and
912 which would be required by a user of a portable media device
114 for use with the mixer 100 to reach the recording menu 914. In
a preferred embodiment, the recording menu access control 256, when
activated, causes the menu of the portable media device to display
automatically the recording menu 914, bypassing the otherwise
required selections of 900, 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and 912.
Recording is then initiated by selecting the record 914 option.
[0039] Preferably, the portable media device operating system 112
of the mixer 100 includes a backlight toggle control 258 located on
the housing 101 of the mixer 100. A backlight toggle control 258
allows a user of the mixer 100 to override the backlight settings
of the portable media device 114. Preferably, the backlight toggle
control 258 allows a user to cause the backlight of the portable
media device 114 to remain on while the portable media device 114
remains coupled to the mixer 100 or until the user engages the
backlight toggle control 258 to turn off the backlight of the
portable media device 114, whichever occurs first. In the example
of the mixer 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the backlight
toggle control 258 is coupled to the processor 252, which allows
communication to the portable media device 114, via the interface
250 of commands initiated by the backlight toggle control 258 when
activated by a user. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, when the backlight toggle control 258 is engaged by a
user to turn the backlight on, the processor 252 will communicate
with the portable media device 114 via the interface 250, to
request the status of the backlight of the portable media device
114. If the processor 252 receives a communication from the
portable media device 114 that the backlight is off, the processor
252 will issue a command to the portable media device 114 to turn
the backlight on. The processor 252 will continue to communicate
with the portable media device 114 as is necessary to keep the
backlight of the portable media device 114 on. If a user engages
the backlight toggle control 258 of the mixer 100 to turn the
backlight off, the backlight settings of the portable media device
114 will again determine whether or not the backlight is on.
[0040] As discussed above, it is typically desirable for a user to
select a backlight setting for a portable media device that causes
the backlight to remain on for a relatively short period of time,
because such a setting will preserve battery life. However, in an
apparatus or system for use with a portable media device, such as a
mixer, the portable media device receives power from the apparatus
or system, thereby reducing or eliminating the drain on the battery
of the portable media device while the apparatus or system is
powered and the portable media device remains coupled to the
apparatus or system. Therefore, it will be understood by those with
ordinary skill in the art that the backlight toggle control is
useful for many apparatuses and systems for use with a portable
media device, including but not limited to a mixer. Thus,
embodiments of the present invention include other apparatuses and
systems (not shown) for use with a portable media device that
comprise a backlight toggle control.
[0041] It will be understood that the portable media device 114 is
not, and need not be, a component of the mixer 100, but is merely
shown to facilitate understanding of such a mixer 100 and the way
in which it may function. It will be further understood that a
mixer can be configured to be coupled with and to communicate with
more than one portable media device 114 at the same time or at
different times.
[0042] It will be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art
that mixers can comprise a variety of functions known in the art,
and that circuitry necessary or desirable to achieve such functions
are known in the art and need not be explained in detail.
Nevertheless, returning to FIG. 1, a brief explanation of certain
aspects of such functions, and of certain non-limiting aspects of
circuitry that can be employed to achieve such functions,
illustrates the manner in which the mixer 100 significantly
improves integration of the functionalities of one or more portable
media device with one or more components of a user's media
system.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, (a) a first channel 102
includes one or more inputs 116, 118, which inputs may be input
jacks, such as an XLR jack 116 and/or a 1/4 inch jack 118, to
receive audio signals from a source, for example, a microphone,
capacitors 120, 122, a gain (or trim) mechanism 124, equalization
circuits 126, a volume (or level) adjustment mechanism 128, and a
pan mechanism 130; (b) a second channel 104 includes one or more
inputs 132, 134, which inputs may be input jacks, such as an XLR
jack 132 and/or a 1/4 inch jack 134, to receive audio signals from
a source, for example, a microphone, capacitors 136, 138 a gain (or
trim) mechanism 140, equalization circuits 142, a volume adjustment
mechanism 144, and a pan mechanism 146; (c) a third channel 106
includes one or more inputs 148, 150, which inputs may be input
jacks, such as two 1/4 inch jacks 148, 150, to receive audio
signals from a source, for example, an electric keyboard, a
mechanism 156 coupled with the circuit or circuits of one line of
the channel input, for example, the left line, to split a mono
signal into a stereo signal, differential amplifiers 152, 154,
equalization circuits 160, a volume adjustment mechanism 162, and a
balance mechanism 164; and (d) a fourth channel 108 includes one or
more inputs 170, 172, which inputs may be input jacks, such as two
RCA jacks 170, 172, to receive audio signals from a source, for
example, a compact disc player, equalization circuits 174, a volume
adjustment mechanism 176, and a balance mechanism 178. It will be
understood by one with ordinary skill in the art that the inputs,
jacks, mechanisms, controls, and/or circuits of each channel are
coupled in one or more manners known in the art, for example, via
conductors, and that one or more nodes, switches, capacitors and
the like may be included appropriately in the circuitry of a mixer
(some of which may be illustrated on FIG. 1), as is necessary or
desirable to achieve the desired functions. Again, the general
aspects of such circuitry are well known in the art and need not be
fully described herein.
[0044] In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 1, each channel 102, 104, 106, 108 further comprises a channel
peak indicator 188, 190, 192, 194, coupled with a light emitting
diode ("LED") 180, 182, 184, 186 that will light if the output of
the audio signal from the equalization circuit 126, 142, 160, 174
is within a specific range (for example, within 5-6 dB [decibels])
of the circuit's clipping threshold.
[0045] It will be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art
that a mixer need not include all of the features described above
and/or could include addition features currently in use (or used in
the future) in audio mixers not included in the illustrated
embodiment. Furthermore, it will be understood inputs used to input
signals into a mixer can include a variety of input jacks
configured to accept a variety of plugs associated with sources of
audio signals. In addition, it will be understood that audio
signals could be input into a mixer by inputs other than input jack
and plug, for example, by a wireless connection. Mixers can include
any number of channels, any of which channels can be designed to
accept mono signals, stereo signals, or both. In addition, mixers
can receive and process video signals, either in addition to or
exclusive of audio signals.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
illustrated on FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one or more of the gain
mechanisms 124, 140, equalization circuits 126, 142, 160, 174, the
volume adjustment mechanisms 128, 144, 162, 176, the pan mechanisms
130, 146, and the balance 15 mechanisms 164, 178 are adjustable by
the user via potentiometers or other controls known in the art. For
example, (a) rotary analog potentiometers 424, 426 coupled with
gain mechanisms 124, 140 permit a user to control the amount of
pre-amplification applied to the audio signal input into a first
channel 102 and a second channel 104; (b) rotary analog
potentiometers 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418,
420, 422 coupled with equalization circuits 126, 142, 160, 174
permit a user to control high (e.g., high shelving filter at 12 kHz
[kilohertz], +/-12 dB), mid (e.g., peaking filter at 2.5 kHz +/-12
dB), and low (e.g., low shelving filter at 80 Hz [hertz] +/-12 dB)
frequency ranges, (c) rotary analog potentiometers 428, 430, 432,
434 coupled with volume adjustment mechanisms 128, 144, 162, 176
permit a user to control the range of the signal flowing out of the
volume adjustment mechanism in a range of silent to +15 dB, (d)
rotary analog potentiometers 436, 438 coupled with pan mechanism
130, 146 of first and second channels 102, 104 permit a user to pan
the audio signal of each such channel in the range of entirely to
the right to entirely to the left, and/or (e) rotary analog
potentiometers 440, 442 coupled with balance mechanisms 164, 178 of
third and fourth channels 106, 108 permit a user to adjust the
outputted signal in a range of entirely the left signal to entirely
the right signal. Although rotary potentiometers are shown in the
embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2,
potentiometers can take other forms known in the art, such as
sliders.
[0047] As illustrated by the embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a mixer optionally includes a phantom
power switch 200 on one or more circuits, for example, a first
circuit 102, which, when activated by a user via a control, for
example, a push button 444, will provide additional current to such
circuit. For example, the phantom power switch 200, when connected,
will provide +48 VDC [volts of continuous current] +/-2 V at 30 mA
[milliampere] max current. Such additional current is useful for
proper operation of certain types of microphones, commonly called
condenser microphones. Optionally, an indicator, such as an LED
168, is coupled to the phantom power switch 200, to indicate to the
user whether the phantom power switch 200 has been activated.
[0048] In the embodiment of the mixer 100 illustrated in FIG. 1,
the right 208 and left 206 outputs of each channel 102, 104, 106,
108 receiving audio signal inputs, having been manipulated in the
manner described above, are summed by summing mechanisms 202, 204
to create a first summed audio signal. The first summed audio
signal is further manipulated by a stereo compressor 209 that
operates to improve the audio quality of the first summed audio
signal by adjusting the dynamic range of the first summed audio
signal to create a compressed audio signal. In a preferred
embodiment of the mixer 100, the compressor is coupled with one or
more indicators, such as LEDs, to provide information to a user
regarding the amount of the dynamic compression applied to the
first summed audio signal. For example, LEDs 210 coupled with the
compressor 209 light red if the compression amount is more than 12
dB, light orange if the compression amount is more than 6 dB, and
light yellow if the compression amount is more than 3 dB.
Preferably, the compressor 209 is adjustable by a user via one or
more potentiometers or other controls known in the art. For
example, in the embodiment of the mixer 100 illustrated on FIG. 1
and FIG. 2, the compressor 209 functions of compressor ratio,
threshold, and makeup gain are adjustable using a single rotary
potentiometer 446. As illustrated by the embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the mixer optionally includes
a compressor switch 212 which permits a user, via a control, for
example, a push button 448, to select whether the continuing audio
signal is the first summed audio signal or the compressed audio
signal. Optionally, an indicator, such as an LED 214, is coupled to
the compressor switch 212, to indicate to the user whether the
continuing audio signal is the first summed audio signal or the
compressed audio signal.
[0049] A preferred embodiment of a mixer, such as the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, includes a USB interface 110,
coupled to a USB connector 216 which, when coupled with a computer
or other digital receiver and/or source (not shown) via a USB cable
(not shown), allows signals ("digital output signals"), such as
audio or video signals, produced by the mixer to flow to a computer
(or other digital receiver) and/or to allow the mixer to receive
signals ("digital input signals"), such as audio or video signals,
from a computer (or other digital source). If the USB interface 110
receives digital input signals, the USB interface 110 converts the
digital input stream to analog. If the USB interface 110 outputs
audio signals to a computer (or other digital receiver), the USB
interface 110 converts the analog signal produced by the mixer to a
digitized mixed audio stream to be output to the computer (or other
digital receiver). Techniques and mechanisms for converting analog
signals to digital signals, and vice versa, are well known in the
art and need not be further described herein.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the mixer 100, whether the USB
interface 110 acts to send or accept signals is controlled by the
computer to which the mixer 100 is coupled, in accordance with
commands selected by the user, or otherwise; however, a processor,
and controls for such processor, could be included in a mixer to
allow initiation of such commands by the mixer. It will be
understood by those with ordinary skill in the art that connectors
other than USB connectors are available and may be suitable to
couple an interface to a computer or other digital source or
receiver, and that such connectors could be used in a mixer. For
example, connections such as IEEE-1394 (also known as Firewire or
ilink) connections could be employed, or the connection could be
eliminated entirely.
[0051] In an embodiment of the mixer 100 that includes a USB
interface 110, as described above, said USB interface 110 is
preferably coupled to a USB input level mechanism 218 to create the
USB input audio signal. Preferably, the USB level input mechanism
218 is coupled with a control that allows a user to adjust the USB
input audio signal. For example, a rotary analog potentiometer 450
is coupled with the USB input level mechanism 218 and permits a
user to adjust the USB input audio signal in a range of silent to
+15 dB.
[0052] In the example of the mixer 100 shown on FIG. 1, if an audio
signal is received via a USB interface 110, the USB input audio
signal is summed with the continuing audio signal at a mix ratio
mechanism 220 to create a second summed audio signal. Preferably,
the mix ratio mechanism 220 is coupled with a control that allows a
user to adjust the extent to which the second summed audio signal
comprises each of the continuing audio signal and/or the USB input
audio signal. For example, a rotary analog potentiometer 452
coupled with the mix ratio mechanism 220 permits a user to control
whether the second summed audio signal will be entirely the
continuing audio signal, entirely the USB input audio signal, or a
mix of the two.
[0053] As described above, the USB interface 110 can operate to
send audio signals to a computer or receive digital signals from a
computer. The mixer 100 can also be used in a manner that permits
the continuing audio signal to be output to a computer, via the USB
interface 110, to be processed by the computer (for example, by
using an audio workstation processor), and then returned to the
mixer 100, via the USB interface 110. The USB input audio signal is
then summed with the continuing audio signal at a mix ratio
mechanism 220. However, by operating the potentiometer 452 coupled
with the mix ratio mechanism 220, a user can cause the second
summed audio signal to be only the USB input audio signal (which,
again, is the continuing audio signal, further processed by the
computer, and returned to the mixer).
[0054] A user of the mixer 100, who has used the USB interface 110
in the manner described above, could operate the potentiometer 452
coupled with the mix ratio mechanism 220 to cause the second summed
audio signal to be a mix of the continuing audio signal and the USB
input audio signal. With such a use, the USB audio input signal
typically will be "delayed" in comparison to the continuing audio
signal. While the delay between the continuing audio signal and the
USB input audio signal may be undesirable in certain contexts, a
user may find the effects of this delay to be pleasing and/or
otherwise desirable in other contexts.
[0055] In the embodiment of the mixer 100 illustrated on FIG. 1,
the second summed audio signal passes through a master volume
adjustment mechanism 222 to create a master audio signal. In a
preferred embodiment of a mixer, a master volume adjustment 222 is
coupled with a rotary analog potentiometer 454 and permits a user
to control the range of the master audio signal in a range of
silent to +15 dB.
[0056] As described above, the mixer 100, permits more complete
integration of the functionalities of one or more portable media
devices with one or more components of a user's media system--by
permitting communication between the mixer 100 and the portable
media device 114 via the portable media device operating system
112. Thus, in one embodiment, the master audio signal is processed
and transmitted to the portable media device 114 by the interface
250 to be saved by the portable media device 114 as an
authenticated recording. Preferably, the portable media device
stores the authenticated recording in one of the aforementioned
file formats. For example, the portable media device can save the
authenticated recording as uncompressed WAV files. In one
embodiment, the authenticated recording, for example, can be saved
at high or low quality. The high quality audio signal can be a
16-bit stereo, 44.1 KHz signal, with a bit rate of 1211 kb/sec
[kilobytes per second] while the low quality audio signal can be a
16-bit monaural, 22.05 KHz signal, with a bit rate of 352 kb/sec,
as an example. In another embodiment, the user can set the quality
of the recording to other values.
[0057] A preferred embodiment of the mixer 100 also includes a
mechanism 223 to communicate to the user whether the master audio
signal is being saved to the portable media device, and a mechanism
224, 225 to communicate the status of the master audio signal to a
user. For example, mechanism 223, 224, 225 can be a light source.
In one embodiment, mechanisms 224, 225 can include an LED that
lights a first light if the master audio signal is greater than 6
dBV (decibels in reference to 1 volt rms [root means squared]), a
second light if the master audio signal is greater than 0 dBV, a
third light if the master audio signal is greater than -6 dBV, a
fourth light if the master audio signal is greater than -12 dBV, a
fifth light if the master audio signal is greater than -18 dBV, and
a sixth light if the master audio signal is greater than -24 dBV.
In one embodiment, mechanism 223 includes an LED that lights white
if a portable media device is disposed within the docking station
and lights red if information is communicated from the portable
media device 114 to the processor 252, via the interface 250, that
a signal is being recorded to the portable media device.
[0058] To more fully enjoy the capacities of the mixer 100,
including but not limited to the ability of the mixer 100 to permit
new and useful integrations of the functionalities of one or more
personal media device 114 with one or more components of a user's
media system, audio signals saved to the personal media device 114
preferably will be suited to the requirements of the personal media
device 114. Therefore, the mixer 100 preferably includes a signal
conditioning mechanism 260 that adjusts the master audio signal to
create a conditioned audio signal that is suited to the
requirements of the portable media device 114. For example, in a
preferred embodiment, the signal conditioning mechanism 260
attenuates the master audio signal to the nominal input signal
level of the portable media device, to create the conditioned audio
signal. The 600 m Vrms figure is somewhat unique to the iPod, and
this number is taken from our ipod documentation that is under NDA
with apple. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the mixer 100, that
includes a signal conditioning mechanism 260, the conditioned audio
signal (rather than the master audio signal, as described above) is
processed by the processor 252 and transmitted to the portable
media device 114 by the interface 250 to be saved by the portable
media device 114 as an authenticated recording.
[0059] Uniquely, the mixer 100 will permit a user to listen to the
master audio signal while the master audio signal (or the
conditioned audio signal, as the case may be) is saved to a
personal media device 114 as a recording. (Similarly, a video
signal produced by a mixer can be viewed as it is being recorded to
a mixer.) The benefits of this feature will be easily understood by
those with ordinary skill in the art. To facilitate this feature of
a mixer 100, the mixer preferably needs one or more outputs, such
as output jacks, configured to be coupled to one or more signal
output devices, for example, an audio device, such as powered
speakers, headphones, a computer, and/or an audio effects
processor. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2, the master audio signal is outputted to a headphone out
jack 520, a right monitor output 522 (for example, a 1/4 inch
jack), and a left monitor output 524 (for example, a 1/4 inch
jack). A user can listen to the master audio signal, for example,
via headphones (not shown) coupled to the headphone out jack 520
and/or speakers (not shown) coupled to the right and left monitor
outputs 522, 524.
[0060] The embodiment of the mixer 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2 further includes (a) a headphone volume adjustment mechanism
270 coupled with a control that allows a user to adjust the volume
of the master audio signal output to the headphone out jack 520,
and (b) a monitor playback volume adjustment mechanism 272 coupled
with a control that allows a user to adjust the volume of the
master audio signal output to the left and right monitor outputs
524, 522. For example, rotary analog potentiometers 526, 528 are
coupled with each of the headphone volume adjustment mechanism 270
and the monitor playback volume adjustment mechanism 272 and permit
a user to adjust the volume of the master audio signal output to
each of the headphone out jack 520 and the right and left monitor
outputs 522, 524 in a range of silent to +15 dB.
[0061] The new and unique integration of the functionalities of one
or more portable media device 114 and one or more other components
of a user's media system achieved with the mixer 100 is further
enhanced when a user elects to input audio signals into the mixer
100 from the portable media device 114 coupled to the mixer 100. In
the manner described above, a user can access the "play" control of
the portable media device 114 to select an audio signal to be
output to the mixer 100 as a portable media device signal, via the
interface 250.
[0062] Preferably, the mixer 100 includes a personal media device
input level mechanism 274 to create the modified portable media
device signal. Preferably, the personal media device level input
mechanism 274 is coupled with a control that allows a user to
adjust the modified portable media device signal. For example, a
rotary analog potentiometer 530 is coupled with the portable media
device level mechanism 274 and permits a user to adjust the
modified portable media device signal in a range of silent to +15
dB.
[0063] As shown on FIG. 1, in the embodiment of a mixer illustrated
by FIG. 1, if an audio signal is input into the mixer from a
portable media device, the modified portable media device signal is
summed with the right 208 and left 206 outputs of each channel 102,
104, 106, 108 receiving audio signal inputs, by summing mechanisms
202, 204 to create the first summed audio signal.
[0064] An apparatus or system, such as a mixer, can be powered in
any appropriate manner known in the art. In the embodiment of the
mixer 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, power will be supplied
from an external power supply, for example, via an AC power input
adapter (not shown) coupled to a power supply (not shown) and
coupled with a power jack 600. The power supply circuitry
preferably includes a switch 602 accessible by a user. Furthermore,
it is preferable to include a mechanism, such as a light, for
example an LED 604, to indicate to a user whether power is being
supplied to the mixer 100. A power supply circuit 608 will supply
power to the components of the mixer, as necessary or appropriate
for proper operation of such components, as will be understood by
those with ordinary skill in the art.
[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting example of steps a user
might take to operate the mixer 100. To set up the mixer for
operation, the user must couple to the mixer those components of
his or her media system he or she wishes to use. Thus, the user may
connect audio sources to the input jacks of one or more of the
first, second, third and fourth channels 620, 622, 624, 626. To
listen to the audio signals produced by the mixer, the user may
connect one or more audio devices, such as speakers or headphones,
to the output jacks of the mixer 628, 630. If the user wishes to
use a computer as a source of inputting audio signals and/or to
receive audio signals from the mixer, the user may connect a
computer to the mixer via the USB jack 632. To integrate the
functionalities of a portable media device with those of other
components of the user's media system, via the mixer, the user may
insert a portable media device into the docking station 634. If
necessary for proper use of a microphone coupled with the mixer,
the user may engage the phantom power control 636. The user can
manipulate the audio signals produced by the mixer by adjusting
controls for gain, equalization, pan, and/or volume 638, 640, 642,
644, 646. If desired, the user can engage the control associated
with the compressor switch to cause the continuing signal to be the
compressed signal, and adjust the compressor functions 648. If the
user has elected to input audio signals to the mixer via the USB
port 650, the user can adjust the USB input control 652 to achieve
a desired level of signal input via the USB port and can adjust the
audio mix ratio control to achieve the desired balance, as the
output of the mixer, between the USB adjusted audio signal and the
continuing signal 654. The user can further manipulate the volume
(or level) of the audio signal by adjusting the master volume
control. To record the audio signals produced by the mixer to a
portable media device, the user may engage the recording menu
access control 658 and then select "record" from the menu of the
portable media device 660. In addition, the user can listen to the
audio signals produced by the mixer through speakers 668 and/or
headphones 670, adjusting the volume output to the speakers 662
and/or headphones 664 as desired.
[0066] An embodiment of the present invention further comprises a
docking station for use with a portable media device. For example,
such a docking station can be an integral part of an apparatus for
use with a portable media device, such as a mixer. In general, the
docking station permits a user to access controls of the portable
media device using the preferred operating hand position even if
the preferred operating hand position is not also necessary or
desirable for gripping the portable media device. A docking station
is included in the embodiment of the mixer 100 illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 7 and FIG. 9.
[0067] The docking station 499 comprises (a) a receiving port 501
configured to accept the portable media device 114, which receiving
port 501 includes a connector 500 configured to electrically couple
with a portable media device, via its bottom port, and provide
communication between the portable media device and an apparatus
(such as a mixer 100) associated with the docking station 499, and
(b) a cavity 510 below the receiving port, an opening of which is
generally aligned with the front face 580 of a portable media
device disposed within the receiving port 501, and which permits a
user of the apparatus to operate the controls (e.g., a flywheel
302) of the portable media device 114 using the preferred operating
hand position.
[0068] The receiving port 501 of the docking station 499 further
comprises one or more support surfaces for a portable media device
disposed within the docking station 499. For example, in the
embodiment of a docking station illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3,
the receiving port 499 includes a right side wall 502, a left side
wall 504, a bottom wall 506, and a back wall 508.
[0069] The cavity 510 is defined by a wall 512, which is directly
or indirectly secured to the receiving port 501 of the docking
station 499. For example, in the embodiment illustrated on FIG. 2,
the wall 512 includes a top portion 540 that is an integral part of
the back wall 508 of the receiving port 501. The wall further
includes a right side portion 542, a left side portion 544, and a
bottom position 546, all of which are integrally connected to one
another. Alternatively, or in addition, the wall 512 could be
secured to a right side wall 502 and/or a left side wall 504 of the
receiving port 501. Optionally, the cavity 510 may be further
defined by a back (not shown). The wall 512 can be continuous and
define the entire opening of the cavity 510, as shown in FIG. 2.
However, the wall need not be continuous and may take other shapes,
such as an arch.
[0070] Optionally, the docking station 499 includes a pad 514,
preferably made of a soft material with a relatively low
coefficient of friction, such as felt, and/or one or more removable
adaptors 516, to permit accommodation into the docking station of
differently-sized portable media devices.
[0071] Prior art mixers typically have a front face, on which most
of the controls for operation of the mixer are placed, the plane of
which lies substantially parallel to the plane of a substantially
horizontal surface on which the mixer is positioned (the "surface
plane"), and a rear face, on which most input and output jacks of
the mixer are located, the plane of which lies perpendicular to the
top face. While the controls are relatively easy to access with
this configuration, the input and output jacks positioned on the
rear face are difficult to access. Alternatively, both controls and
input and output jacks are located on the top face of the mixer.
While the input and output jacks are more easily accessed with this
configuration, cables and other attachments to the mixer via the
input and output jacks can interfere with a user's access and
comfortable use of the controls.
[0072] An embodiment of a mixer provides a substantial improvement
over these prior art mixers. Turning to the embodiment of the mixer
100 illustrated on FIG. 3, the mixer includes a front face 552
lying in plane A 555 and a rear face 554 lying in plane B 553,
wherein the angle of intersection 556 of plane A 555 and plane B
553 is obtuse. Furthermore, plane A is not parallel to the surface
plane but, instead, the angle of intersection of the plane of the
horizontal surface and plane A is acute. Thus, the controls of a
mixer that incorporates this inventive design are angled slightly
toward a user, allowing better visibility of the controls and
permitting the user to maintain a more comfortable (or
ergonomically correct) hand position while operating the controls.
Similarly, perhaps offering the most significant improvement over
the prior art mixers, the rear face 554 is angled toward a user
facing the rear 558 of the mixer. Therefore, the input and output
jacks are substantially more visible and accessible than in a mixer
in which the plane of the rear face is perpendicular to the surface
plane. Furthermore, because the rear face 554 is angled away from
front face 552, cables and other attachments into the input and/or
output jacks of the mixer on the rear face are gently directed away
from the front face, thereby simplifying management of such cables
and other attachments, minimizing the risk such cables and other
attachments will interfere with access of controls positioned on
the front face 552 of the mixer 100, and offering a significant
improvement over a mixer in which input and output jacks are
positioned on the front face.
[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the surface
plane and the planes of each of the rear face 554 and the front
face 552 of the mixer is between approximately 10 and approximately
15 degrees; more preferably, the angle between the surface plane
and the planes 553, 555 of each of the rear face 554 and the front
face 552 of the mixer is approximately 12 degrees. Similarly,
preferably, the angle of intersection 556 of planes A 555 and B 553
(representing the planes of the front and rear faces of the mixer,
respectively) is between approximately 160 and approximately 150
degrees; more preferably, said angle of intersection 556 is
approximately 156 degrees.
[0074] Housing 101 is preferably made of a material that is tough,
hard, and rigid, has good chemical resistance and dimensional
stability, exhibits good creep resistance, is relatively strong,
and inexpensive. As shown on FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, the mixer 100
optionally includes a lock connector 900 configured to accept a
lock, for example, a pad lock and a cable, to secure the mixer 100.
In a preferred embodiment, the lock connector is made of chrome
plated cast aluminum.
[0075] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Various examples of such changes
have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the
disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be
illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall
be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For
example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily
apparent that the system discussed herein may be implemented in a
variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of
certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a
complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the
detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves,
disclose at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, and
may disclose alternative embodiments of the invention.
[0076] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the invention claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
[0077] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
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